METHODS: An open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed at Sibu Hospital, Sarawak, Malaysia between 15th February 2018 and 30th August 2018. Pregnant women aged 18 or above at term who had one previous uncomplicated lower segment cesarean section and required induction of labor were randomized to membrane sweeping or transcervical Foley catheter insertion.
RESULTS: A total of 60 women were recruited in the study, of whom 30 were randomized to the membrane sweeping group and 30 to the Foley catheter group. The number of women who achieved a Bishop Score ≥8 was significantly higher in the Foley catheter arm than in the membrane sweeping arm (76.7% versus 43.3%; P=0.008). Compared with membrane sweeping, transcervical Foley catheter insertion significantly improved Bishop scores and allowed more women to achieve a favorable cervix that permitted an amniotomy by 48 hours of labor induction (P<0.05). The mode of delivery, intrapartum oxytocin use, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups. No women had a uterine rupture or uterine hyperstimulation.
CONCLUSIONS: Although transcervical Foley catheter insertion is superior to membrane sweeping in terms of the efficacy of labor induction, both methods did not show a statistically significant difference in vaginal delivery rates and their overall complication rates were similar.
METHOD: A scoping review was conducted utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. Four databases (OvidMedline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched for eligible studies reporting dementia research priorities in LMICs in Southeast Asian. Comparisons were made to a stakeholders' consultation during a two-day workshop from the 9th to 10th February 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants included the Southeast Asia-Dementia (SEA-Dem) Research Network members key stakeholders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong (n = 20). Research priorities from each participating country were generated and ranked, harmonized with those from the nominal group technique into tiers of priorities.
RESULT: Only two studies from Malaysia and Vietnam were eligible, reporting unranked research priorities. Nominal group technique ranked outcomes from Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines were included. Top dementia research priorities were (1) local research and data collection capacity, (2) community awareness and engagement, and (3) health policy. Second-tier research priorities included harmonizing guidelines and tools standardization, health inequalities, and availability of carer support. The third tier comprised multisectoral collaboration, integration of care, telemedicine, digital approaches, dementia risk reduction, health economics, and sustainable interventions.
CONCLUSION: Our ranked and harmonized latest dementia research priorities list can serve as a more nuanced and contextually informed dementia research directional guide for countries with similar backgrounds. Collaborative efforts to increase high-quality dementia research capacity in Southeast Asian LMICs should be intensified for better dementia care in the region.